Brunello is a pure expression of a superior clone of Sangiovese known as Sangiovese Grosso (also called “Brunello”) that produces fuller, richer berries. Brunello is the only Tuscan red wine that is not a blend. More recently, producers have begun using Prugnolo Gentile, a variety that produces a softer, more forward wine, but still with excellent aging potential.

Lovers of Brunello look for the delicately ethereal aromas typical of the variety: forest floor, wild berries, violets and balsam (menthol or eucalyptus) backed by higher tannins and acidity for longer cellar aging. New schoolers are attracted to black cherry fruit and toasted vanilla notes from aging in smaller barrels—characters that yield a softer, consumer-friendly, and ready-to-drink wine. Both styles exhibit freshness, balance, and power offering natural kinship to food, especially delicious grilled steaks.

If you love elegant Sangiovese, then stock your wine cellar with Brunello di Montalcino.

The Wines

Casanova di Neri, Brunello di Montalcino | 92pts - Wine Advocate

This is the white label Brunello from Giacomo Neri and his son Giovanni. The 2014 Brunello di Montalcino is faithful to the vintage with a compact and streamlined style that suggests a near or medium-term drinking window. 2014 is not a vintage for significant cellar aging but these wines perform nicely straight out of the gate. The 2014 Casanova di Neri is redolent of wild berry, rosehip, blue flower and moist potting soil. Because the Brunelli Tenuta Nuova and Cerretalto were not made in this vintage, the white label represents a blend of fruit from across the estate. This is the first time this has happened at Casanova di Neri.

Altesino, Brunello di Montalcino | 92pts - Wine Advocate

This wine opens with a streamlined appearance. The 2014 Altesino mirrors the main characteristics of the vintage with a clean mouthfeel and bright berry aromas. The Brunellos from 2014 are better suited to near or medium-term drinking and that's definitely the case with this wine. I'd suggest a pairing with your favorite pasta dish topped with creamy cheese sauce. Sangiovese has the natural acidity to cut through any fatty foods. This expression from Altesino achieves more fruit ripeness in 2014 with aromas of plum, dark cherry and dried cassis..

San Polo, Brunello di Montalcino | 93pts - James Suckling

Intense ruby red in color with garnet hues, clear and glossy. The bouquet exhibits typical aromas of violets and small red berries. Subtle nuances of forest undergrowth, aromatic wood, a touch of vanilla and jammy mixed fruit then give way to subtle hints of coffee. This Brunello is intense, persistent, broad and heady. Full-bodied and warm on the palate, with a densely-woven texture and robust body, it has a persistent finish with well-rounded tannins. The particular features of the terroir at San Polo produce a Brunello with a capacity for lengthy aging, while patient cellaring enhances the wine during aging in the bottle.

The Offer

2014 Casanova di Neri, Brunello di Montalcino - $85

2014 Altesino, Brunello di Montalcino - $68

2014 San Polo, Brunello di Montalcino - $68